Newcastle United are set to make an approach for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha in the summer transfer window.
The Brazilian has enjoyed a spectacular season for a lacklustre Wolves side just outside the relegation zone.
Matheus Cunha has announced his intentions to leave Wolves in order to fight for more trophies on a consistent basis. Newcastle are very interested in Cunha, who had a £62.5m release clause inserted into a new deal which was only signed in January.
The Magpies want a striker this summer to replace Callum Wilson, who looks set to leave the club this summer and give Eddie Howe more strength in depth if Alexander Isak is ever unavailable.
Reports suggest Cunha would prefer to join Manchester United this summer, with the 25-year-old keen to join a traditional ‘big-six’ club rather than one that is up and coming.
With Newcastle playing in Europe next season, they are looking to bring in as much quality in multiple positions. They see Cunha as a perfect opportunity to strengthen multiple areas of the pitch.
As sporting director Paul Mitchell prepares for a busy summer, Cunha has taken to social media to send a cryptic message about his future.
Matheus Cunha comments on his future amid Newcastle United links
Despite Wolves struggling to make an impact in the Premier League, Cunha has had an exceptional campaign, scoring 15 goals and bagging four assists.
During the international breaks, Cunha plays alongside Newcastle stars Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton for the Brazilian national team. The club hopes that Guimaraes can persuade Cunha to join Newcastle by selling him the club’s plan for the future and the promise of European football next season.
Cunha has spoken publicly about his future, saying in an interview that he is ready to take the next step. On Saturday, Cunha took to his Instagram story to say: “Time to be happy. I will follow my dreams, not yours… so stay cool.”
The striker deleted the Instagram story shortly after and replaced the same image with the caption: “So happy to be back tomorrow.”
Cunha’s comments sent Wolves fans into a frenzy, with many questioning why he signed a new deal when his mind was set on leaving in the first place.
Reports suggested that Cunha could have joined Newcastle, Arsenal or Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window, but that was perhaps a smokescreen in order for the attacker to get a better deal with a release clause.
Newcastle United can sign £30m Matheus Cunha alternative
While Newcastle should be able to afford Cunha’s £62.5m release clause, it may not be a fee they are willing to part with on one player.
Mitchell wants to bring several new faces to Tyneside this summer, and that could mean there are sacrifices made in the transfer window. There may be fewer big-money signings joining the club in favour of younger, cheaper prospects who can be sold for profit in the future.
Newcastle are linked with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who reportedly has a relegation release clause of £30m.
The Tractor Boys are currently 12 points away from survival, but can bring it down to nine with a win over Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
While the Magpies are keen on a move, Delap may be reluctant to join Newcastle if he is not guaranteed consistent starts. Delap wants to be the first choice, which he would struggle to be at Newcastle given how much the club likes Isak.
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